CBS names Colbert to succeed Letterman

FILE - In this Oct. 13, 2013 file photo, Stephen Colbert delivers the keynote address during the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a charity gala organized by the Archdiocese of New York, at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York. Comedy Central deleted a message Thursday, March 27, 2014, from its "Colbert Report" Twitter feed showing a still from Wednesday night's show where Stephen Colbert joked about starting a "Ching-Chong Ding-Dong Foundation for Sensitivity to Orientals or Whatever." The joke was part of a skit in which Colbert talked about the Washington Redskins' owner buying things for Native Americans upset with the team's name.(AP Photo/Jason DeCrow, file)

NEW YORK (AP) — Stephen Colbert is replacing David Letterman as CBS’ late-night host.

CBS announced Thursday that “The Colbert Report” host will replace Letterman when he retires next year. Colbert is signed for five years.

Letterman has hosted “Late Show with David Letterman” since 1993. He turns 67 Saturday.

Colbert says in a statement: “I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave’s lead.”

Comedy Central’s Emmy-winning “The Colbert Report” has been a hit since its launch in 2005.